Vegetation erosion, effect

Stream channel characteristics and adversely affect aquatic plant and terrestrial life. The erosion effects of water can be minimized by mechanical control, varying the employed irrigation technology, reducing the water flow rates, by waterway vegetation or lining by concrete, stone, or plastics. These factors decrease the abiUty of a water flow to detach and move soil particles along surfaces, and increase the resistance of the soil surfaces to the force of the water flow. 

Floor vegetation (weeds or cover crops) can be managed in orchards where its presence for all or part of the year is desirable, particularly if a clean strip down the tree row is maintained (Figure 17.1). Beneficial effects of the floor vegetation in these crops include the prevention of erosion, especially for orchards or vineyards on sloping terrain during periods of heavy rain. Weeds and vegetation also help improve water penetration in soils likely to surface seal or where subsurface impervious layers are a problem (Day et al, 1968 Foshee et al, 1997). 

Compression of the soil by tractor wheels and other machines used for cultivation also exerts adverse effects. The compression of heavy soils in the presence of excess moisture is particularly harmful. During this, deep tracks are impressed into the soil, whereby the soil becomes solidified, losing its structure, which is then manifested by a deteriorated vegetation growth. When using such improper cultivation techniques on sloping areas, then the erosion is also enhanced, particularly in the case where the machines move in the direction of the slope. Thus, sloping areas should also be cultivated... 

---